Hurricane Irma is now a Category 5 storm, packing maximum winds of 175 miles per hour, with higher gusts. The latest NHC 5-day forecast track and cone gives the impression that Irma is headed for the Gulf, but most of the models are indicating the storm would turn to the north, though we should still be watching and tracking it here in Louisiana.

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating Sheriff Mark Garber’s 7-year-old daughter and her babysitter. 21-year-old Juliana Brooks and young Cora Garber went missing yesterday when the two set out on a canoeing trip.

Relief efforts are ongoing amid the devastation left by Hurricane Harvey, and many are asking how they can help those affected. Chairman of the Board for the Greater Baton Rouge Red Cross, Desiree Lemoine, says those who wish to donate can specify what they want it to go towards…:
Cut 8 (09) “to Harvey relief”
To donate or volunteer, visit RedCross.org.

A report from Trust for America’s Health finds Louisiana has the fifth highest obesity rate in the nation. Jeff Palermo has more…:
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As LSU is set to play it’s first home game of the season on Saturday, there will be a ton of fans flocking to the habitat of the new Mike the Tiger. But caretakers for the live mascot are urging visitors not to approach the glass with live or stuffed animals. They say Mike VII can’t tell the difference and if he throws himself against the glass, he might break a tooth. Dental problems are the #1 cause of death in both wild and captive tigers.

Many are asking what they can do to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Halen Doughty has the answer from the Red Cross…:
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All eyes are on Cat-4 Hurricane Irma right now which forecasters say should move over portions of the northern Leeward Islands tonight and early Wednesday. They say there are increasing chances that impacts to the US will hit Florida and steer clear of Louisiana due to a cold front moving into our area, but it’s still to early to tell what exactly Irma will do to the US.

A Baton Rouge General Doctor is one of the first physicians in the country to perform a successful new stroke prevention procedure. Dr. Vince Weaver says this reverses the blood flow through the brain to divert clots and plaque away from the brain to prevent blockage and stroke:
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Three procedures have already been successful and several more are scheduled.

Louisiana has the fifth highest obesity rate in the country, according to a report from Trust for America’s Health. President and CEO John Auerbach it’s a trend that continues…:
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Louisiana is one of just five states with an obesity rate over 35 percent.

According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, 12,000 more people are holding down jobs in the state compared to last year. LSU economist Loren Scott attributes the increase to an industrial boom in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge and improvements in the construction sector.

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Construction employment is at an all-time high in the state.

The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary will help clean up Elmer’s Island on September 16, and they’re looking for volunteers. Spokesperson Alma Robichaux says the event takes place from 10 am until 1 pm, and people can sign up at b-t-n-e-p-dot-org.

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As many families light up the grill this Labor Day, Cattle Producers of Louisiana says there should be plenty of beef to go around, even after a devastating hurricane. CEO Dave Foster says restaurants and grocery stores are ordering way ahead of time, in light of the impact of Hurricane Harvey.

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Johnny’s Pizza House has celebrates the company’s 50^th anniversary this month. President and CEO Melvin DeLacerda says Johnny Huntsman not only started a company, he also gave back to the community, which is a tradition that continues today.

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Today Johnny’s has 44 locations spanning multiple states.

Grilling is a favorite Labor Day pastime for Louisiana families, and Cattle Producers of Louisiana says there should be plenty of beef to go around. CEO Dave Foster says the industry views the holiday as the last big high demand season until Christmas.

Cut 6 (09) “to December”

The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary is seeking volunteers to clean up the 2.5 mile stretch of beach on Elmer’s Island later this month. Spokesperson Alma Robichaux says the event is in coordination with the international coastal cleanup that happens every September.

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To sign up, visit b-t-n-e-p.dot-org.

The National Hurricane Center says there’s an increasing chance Hurricane Irma will affect the US. Forecasters say the category 3 storm is strengthening as it moves towards the Caribbean. It’s still unclear if the storm would make landfall in the US, as forecasters say it could happen somewhere between Alabama and North Carolina.

West Monroe-based Johnny’s Pizza House celebrates 50 years in business this month. Jeff Palermo has more…

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It’s Labor Day, so what is the stat of employment in Louisiana? Jeff Palermo spoke with LSU economist Loren Scott…

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A weekend boating incident in Cameron Parish took the life of a little boy. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents say 11-year-old Griffin LeBlanc and another 11-year-old boy were jumping off a boat on Lake Calcasieu when they jumped into the path of an oncoming vessel. LeBlanc’s body was recovered, and the other boy was taken to a hospital in serious condition.

Louisiana’s favorite pizza franchise Johnny’s Pizza House celebrates 50 years in business this month. President and CEO Melvin DeLacerda says when Johnny Huntsman opened his first location in Monroe, no one in the area knew what pizza was. He says that’s why Huntsman resorted to some business gimmicks to stay in business.

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DeLacerda says Johnny’s even had to serve hamburgers and spaghetti until the region fell in love with pizza.

It’s Labor Day, which means lots of families are firing up the grill for a barbecue. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says beef suppliers stocked up in case of potential shortfalls. But he hopes the marketplace doesn’t take advantage of that.

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Based on the latest data from the Louisiana Workforce Commission, one-point-nine million people are holding down a job in this state. They say 155-thousand people work in construction, which is an all-time high for Louisiana. But LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott anticipates a lag in employment next year…:
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He says the biggest job gains are in the Lake Charles and Baton Rouge areas.

The 2017 season is off to a good start for the LSU Tigers. The Bayou Bengals blanked BYU 27-0 as the Tigers outgained the Cougars 479-to-97. It’s the first time the Tigers have shutout an opponent since 2014 and first opening game shutout since the 2007 national championship team. Coach O was a happy guy…:
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Volunteers are being sought to help clean up Elmer’s Island, an effort organized by the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, or BTNEP. Spokeswoman Alma Robichaux says it’s September 16th and you can visit btnep.org if you’d like to join…”
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Johnny’s Pizza House celebrates 50 years in business this month. President and CEO Melvin DeLacerda says the company is in great shape, and he’s looking forward to another 50 years. He looks back and says not only did Johnny Huntsman start a pizza restaurant, he also gave back to the community…:
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Johnny passed away in June after a battle with Alzheimer’s.

On this Labor Day, we’re looking at the state of labor in Louisiana with LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott. The Louisiana Workforce Commission says one-point-nine million people are holding down a job here right now, and Scott says huge gains are being seen in two main areas of the state..:
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Scott says the employment situation has improved in the oil and gas industry areas like Lafayette and Houma, but job losses are still continuing.

Volunteers are being sought to help clean up Elmer’s Island, an effort organized by the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, or BTNEP. Spokeswoman Alma Robichaux says they’re holding an event in tandem with the
international coastal cleanup that happens every year in September…:
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Visit btnep.org for more details.

West Monroe-based Johnny’s Pizza House is celebrating 50 years in business this month…:
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I-10 is now open in both directions at the Texas state line, according to State Police. But some other roads remain closed due to flooding, and you can check 511la.org for an up-to-date map of closures around the state.

A very nice start to the season for the LSU Tigers as they easily beat BYU 27-0. The offense was efficient as Derrius Guice rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns.

It’s Labor Day, so what is the state of employment in Louisiana? Jeff Palermo spoke with LSU economist Loren Scott…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The National Hurricane Center says Irma is expected to affect the northeastern Leeward Islands within a couple of days as a major hurricane. The NHC says it is still too early to determine what direct impacts Hurricane Irma might have on the continental US. Regardless, everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place, as we are now near the peak of the season.

Johnny’s Pizza House celebrates 50 years in business this month. President and CEO Melvin DeLacerda says the company is in great shape, and he’s looking forward to another 50 years. He says Johnny Huntsman founded the company in Monroe after discovering his love for pizza while attending college in Iowa:
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Huntsman passed away in June after a battle with Alzheimer’s.

Many people are grilling out on this Labor Day. CEO of the Cattle Producers of Louisiana Dave Foster says when it comes to the impact on the beef industry from Hurricane Harvey, they’re seeing many restaurants and grocery stores placing orders for meat way ahead of the time they normally do…:
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He says there shouldn’t be any surprises at the grocery store when it comes to what you’ll pay for meat today.

Based on the latest data from the Louisiana Workforce Commission, one-point-nine million people are holding down a job in this state. That’s an increase of 12-thousand from this time last year. LSU economist Doctor Loren Scott says because of an industrial boom in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge, the construction sector continues to do well…:
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The state workforce commission says 155-thousand people work in construction, which is an all-time high for Louisiana.

LSU dominated BYU Saturday night inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome, shutting them out 27-0. Derrius Guice rushed 27 times for 120 yards and accounted for The Tigers first two touchdowns of the game, Quarterback Danny Etling finished 14-of-17 passing for 173 yards. LSU’s defense matched its offense in dominance. LSU comes to Tiger Stadium this weekend to take on Chattanooga.

One of the most popular things do to on Labor Day is gather with family and friends for an outdoor Barbecue. CEO of the Cattle Producers of Louisiana Dave Foster says consumers can expect to see sales here and there on meat products, but the beef industry views this holiday as the last big high-demand time for their commodity until at least Christmas…:
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He doesn’t expect there will be a huge impact on the beef industry as a result of livestock loss due to Hurricane Harvey.

Elmer’s Island will get a face lift this month, as a team of volunteers is set to clean up the 2.5 mile stretch of beach on September 16th. The event is hosted in-part by the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary or BTNEP. Spokeswoman Alma Robichaux says the idea is to find the source of the pollution…:
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Visit btnep.org for more details.

The White House says President Donald Trump should have time to talk to residents still recovering from Harvey when he visits Texas and Louisiana today. When Mr. Trump lands in Lake Charles this afternoon, he is also slated to meet with the Governor John Bel Edwards, the Louisiana Delegation and the National Guard.

Edwards is visiting the state-run shelter in Alexandria today to tour the housing facility housing nearly 2,000 displaced flood survivors.

The Department of Children and Family Services has set up a phone bank for Texas families trying to locate loved ones evacuated after Harvey to mega- shelters here in Louisiana. The numbers to call are (225) 615-0086 and (225) 615-0258. Survivors who would like to let their family members and friends know they are safe and well are also encouraged to register at www.safeandwell.org.

Just as he did during the floods in Louisiana last year, Congressman Ralph Abraham, who is a major in the Air Force Auxiliary, has been flying Harvey missions over Texas. He says the US Air Force Assignment began Thursday when they surveyed Beaumont and Port Arthur from the sky…:
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The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway for the holiday weekend. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Katara Williams says Labor Day weekend is one of the deadliest in the year:
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Many Louisiana residents are spending this beautiful day watching college football. The headliner is LSU versus BYU at the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Kickoff is at 8:30.